Visual motor coordination capabilities of future car drivers in relation to the practised physical activity

Driving safety is recognized by society as critical for novice car drivers, with specific restrictive measures in road traffic laws and higher insurance premiums. Research has investigated how young people showdeficiencies in the executive function required for driving, due to late brain maturation through adolescence and in early adulthood. Moreover, the modern lifestyle of children and adolescents, with reduced physical activity and the abuse of electronic devices, further decreases their visual motor coordination capabilities, which are fundamental in driving. This research investigates the capabilities of future car drivers in relation to their lifestyle. The experimental method was designed to collect data about the physical activity of students through questionnaires. Thereafter, their visual capabilities were evaluated with a set of field tests, namely Distance Rock, Peripheral Wall Chart and Brock String tests. Finally, their visual motor coordination was assessed with a Motor Efficiency Test. The method was adopted for an extensive study in primary, lower and upper secondary schools, over a large number of tests. The results were evaluated considering age, gender, frequency and type of practised physical activities. The development of visual motor coordination capabilities during child and adolescent growth was assessed. Frequent physical activity improves such coordination. The students practising team sports were found to be more performing, also in terms of visual performance, than the students not practising any sport or those practising individual sports. The data base encourages more extensive studies in the education system, also evaluating the same students over the years.